A “maker space” in Madison that has received national attention is where the Evansville Area Inventors & Entrepreneurs Club will meet in March.

Sector67 is described as “a community workspace/hackerspace/makerspace/collaborative environment” where people find the tools “to work on tomorrow’s technology; to build, collaborate, learn and teach about next generation devices.” This includes software, hardware, electronics, art, sewing, metalwork, apps, games and more. Another way to think of it is a gym club with equipment for inventors and entrepreneurs, to paraphrase a quote from founder and director Chris Meyer. View this humorous 8-minute program about Sector67 was recorded by Wayward Nation. Meyer will host a tour and discuss how the business works.

Guests are most definitely welcome. Inquiries may be directed to EvansvilleInnovators@gmail.com, Sue Berg at 608-882-0986 or Halina Zakowicz at 608-698-4259. Or check out the club at www.facebook.com/TheEvansvilleAreaInventorsEntrepreneursClub.

National leaders in value-added agriculture will be convening in Madison, Wisconsin, for the 18th Annual National Value-Added Agriculture Conference. The theme of this year’s conference is “Agriculture, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship: Developing Thriving Rural Communities.”

Conference topics include agritourism, rural & urban economic development, food waste, food safety, marketing, policy, local & regional food systems, labor issues, alternative energy, technology, supply chain management, and more.

Who should attend: Farmers, business owners and operators, entrepreneurs, consultants, policy makers, extension specialists, academics, community leaders, and service providers.

Learn more and register online by July 7.

In business having partners with the right resources to help you succeed is paramount. When it comes to alternative commercial financing WBD wants to be “Your Business Finance Resource.”

WBD’s 2016 Seminar Series will provide you with an updated understanding of the options available that may help make your economic development project possible. The“traditional” morning session will provide a high-level overview of the latest program and general eligibility changes to SBA’s 504 program, including the return of the 504 refinancing, and updates on WBD affiliates and our plans for more flexible targeted financing utilizing micro, Community Advantage and New Market Tax Credits.

A more detailed afternoon session that will provide a more in-depth study of SBA’s 7(a) program including; specific pro-gram eligibility, underwriting, structuring, closing, funding, and servicing rules and regulations.

Join WBD we help you take your SBA knowledge and understanding to the next level!

Learn more and register.

Wisconsin Makers Inc., a makerspace with an educational mission, invites the public to an open house on Saturday, Feb. 27.

Visitors will be able to take a tour of the community workshop and view its many work areas. Among them are those for laser engraving and 3-D printing; quilting, sewing and other needlecrafts; electronics; clay and pottery; welding and fabrication; machine shop; woodworking; art; crafts; matting and framing, and, in the near future, automotive.

With the charge to “Imagine, Design, Make,” Wisconsin Makers Inc. creates an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to become innovators within their communities by unlocking their skills through continual training.

While based in Whitewater, members come from throughout Jefferson, Walworth, Rock and Waukesha counties and beyond, with access around the clock.

Wisconsin Makers offers a variety of free classes on Make-and-Take Tuesdays and Tech Thursdays, as well as special workshops and other activities. The next workshop is “An Introduction to Arduino Hardware and Software,” on Saturday, Feb. 20, from 1 to 5 p.m. Visit Facebook.com/WisconsinMakers to learn details. Call Shanon at (262) 716-4983 to register for the class, or stop in at Wisconsin Makers Inc.

For more information about Wisconsin Makers, its activities or how to become a member, call Pete at (920) 650-2333 or visit www.facebook.com/WisconsinM­akers.

Applications are being accepted from now through March 11th for the 4th annual Slow Money Wisconsin Business Investors Showcase taking place in Madison on Friday, May 6th.

Wisconsin food and value-added farm businesses are invited to submit an application to be considered for inclusion in the 2016 Business Investor Showcase.

Accepted businesses receive one-on-one advising from one of Slow Money’s business coaches, access to a curated investor panel, introductions to investors, bankers and other financial representatives, and an investor pitch. Businesses also become part of the Slow Money Wisconsin business portfolio.

Applicants should be based in Wisconsin, have a food and value-added farm focus, embrace Slow Money principles, and be at stage of growth that needs additional capital. Slow Money Wisconsin supports community-centered investing in resilient and healthful food systems.

Slow Money has worked with 26 businesses over the past three years and has facilitated over $4,000,000 in investments for showcase businesses. Past accepted applicants include Yumbutter, MobCraft Beer, Underground Food Collective, Bryant Family Farms, The Cider Farm, and FEED Kitchen.

View the request for business application, visit www.slowmoneywisconsin.org for more information, and contact admin@slowmoneywisconsin.org with questions.